Posted By Patrick Saunders On March 9, 2012 @ 10:12 am In Cactus League Games,Rockies on Deck,Spring Training | No Comments

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Yes, it’s very early, but spring training performances are starting to leave their mark. That’s why today’s game is an important steppingstone for Rockies right-hander Juan Nicasio.

Eight months after he suffered a broken neck during a game at Coors Field, he pitches this afternoon against the Oakland A’s at Salt River Fields (1:10 p.m. start, streamed live online at 850KOA.com[1]).

Nicasio threw a sizzling 93-95 mph fastball (he hit 97 once) and showed no hint of fear during an intra-squad game last Sunday. But that was on a back field, against his own teammates, with a crowd of maybe 50 people on hand. Today he throws in the big park, with a big crowd and against established big-league players. It’s a big test.

I will say this, manager Jim Tracy is enamored with Nicasio — the pitcher and the person. If the decision were made this morning, I have no doubt Nicasio would be one of the Rockies’ five starters … probably No. 4 in the rotation.

Nicasio gets the backing of the Rockies’ A team today. With the exception of catcher Wilin Rosario, the lineup could be the same one the Rockies put on the field on opening day in Houston (April 6).

Also, Nicasio might get a chance to bat today because they are not using a DH. It all depends how long he pitches and how the game plays out.